Fuel up with healthy snacks during holiday road trips in Georgia

During the holidays, enjoying seasonal cookies, hors d’oeuvres, and large, hearty meals is all part of the fun. If these indulgences leave you feeling sluggish or unwell, it helps to take the opportunity to eat clean when you can. Road trips, whether they’re short or long, give you the perfect chance to do just that.

Whether you’re hitting the mall or driving cross-country, these packable snacks will not only satisfy, but keep you feeling nourished and energized. They’re easy to prepare and bring along, as well.

Satisfying snacks for shorter trips

When the holidays get busy, it’s a good idea to eat plenty of protein and fiber. These foods will keep you satisfied for hours — and they’ll help prevent sugar crashes.

Crunch on unsalted nuts or trail mix. Many stores sell premade nut mixes, but you can also make your own. Stock up on your favorite nuts and seeds, then experiment and see which combinations you like best.

Try dried fruit for a chewy treat. Dried cranberries, blueberries, raisins, and banana chips are all rich in nutrients and fiber. Their sweet flavor and chewable texture make them a great swap for candy, too. Just remember that 2 tablespoons of dried fruit will add about 15 grams of carbohydrates to your snack.

Munch on a sandwich. For quick trips, try a half sandwich made with high-fiber bread and a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter.

Don’t forget the joys of whole fruit. There’s a reason fresh fruit is a classic. Portable, sweet, and nutritious, it’s a snack that’s hard to beat.

Nourish yourself on longer journeys

If you’re on the road for at least a few hours, you’ll feel much better with meals made from fresh, nourishing foods. Don’t forget to pack them in a cooler or an insulated lunch bag to keep them from spoiling!

Dip raw veggies in some hummus. Baby carrots, broccoli florets, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and even grapes are delicious dipped in this high-protein treat. And hummus comes in many flavors (like garlic, tomato, and even sriracha), so you can mix and match however you please.

Try wraps and pita pockets to keep carbs low. There’s no end of meat, cheese, and veggie combinations you can try. And with your sandwich fixings securely nestled in a wrap or pocket, you can try typically messier options like sprouts, sliced olives, or crumbled feta.

Mix it up with light yogurt. Aside from the protein and probiotics, one of the best things about plain yogurt is how versatile it is. Stir in berries or granola for a sweet treat, or try salsa and shredded cheese to make a savory dip.

Stay hydrated to feel your best. While a long drive makes caffeine and sugar extra tempting, you’ll feel much better by drinking plenty of water. If you think you’ll forget to drink the water at your side, turn on some music and take a small sip after each song.

By enjoying healthy snacks and meals while on the road, you’ll minimize the symptoms of road fatigue while feeling more satisfied and energetic.